Trouble tenant threat for landlords

BUY-TO-LET landlords could be liable for their tenant's antisocial behaviour under plans being considered by the Government.

Legislation recently introduced in Northern Ireland under its Housing Order holds landlords responsible for bad behaviour by tenants or their guests. Housing organisations fear the Government will extend the law to England and Wales as part of the changes to the forthcoming Housing Act.

The law encompasses both private landlords and agents renting out properties on landlords' behalf. A judicial review bought by housing bodies in Northern Ireland to challenge the ruling will be heard next week.

The National Association of Estate Agents has established a £100,000 fund to fight the proposal.

Chief executive Peter Bolton-King said: 'It is beyond landlords jurisdiction to control a tenant or their guest who has gone to the local pub and caused a drunken affray in the street or on their way home.

'Many landlords operate multiple tenancies and how can they possibly control the behaviour of all their tenants and their guests and be criminally responsible if they don't.'

Bolton-King added that the law would deter potential buy-to-let investors from entering the market and make it difficult for existing landlords to shift stock.

Mike Stimpson, president of the National Federation of Residential Landlords, said landlords had few powers to challenge anti-social behaviour.

He said: 'If we do not succeed in getting this ruling overturned in the High Court in Belfast we believe the Government has every intention of introducing the legislation in England.'

A Government spokeswoman said: 'Just because this is the case in Northern Ireland doesn't mean it will be introduced here.'